Albergaria de D. Mafalda and Palacete Moura Coutinho

Category: Civil Architecture > Small Palace

District: Viseu > Lamego > Penajoia

Location

The architectural complex of Albergaria de D. Mafalda and Palacete Moura Coutinho is located in Penajoia, a town in the municipality of Lamego. Set in a predominantly rural environment, more specifically in Lugar de Moledo, this site offers a tranquil setting, nestled in the characteristic landscape of the Douro and Beira regions.

Its countryside position invites a calm observation of the building's lines and its integration into the natural surroundings, providing an experience of discovery in a corner far from urban centers.

A Legacy of Past Eras

This remarkable complex is composed of an imposing manor house, a stately home that evokes the history and life of past eras, and an adjoining chapel, which bears witness to the religiosity and daily life of its former inhabitants. Its importance is recognized by its classification as a Property of Municipal Interest, a distinction that underscores its heritage value and the need for its preservation.

The building represents an example of noble residential architecture, offering insight into the organization of the great houses of the past, which combined living space with a private place of worship.

Features of Manorial Architecture

The main façade of the manor, which rises two stories, reveals remarkable care in its design, marked by the symmetry of its openings. The openings on the ground floor, in particular, feature a more refined finish and boast a prominent lintel, giving them a discreet elegance.

The main entrance portal, which invites approach, is accessed by a small staircase, complemented by a parapet. The chapel, an integral part of this complex, stands out for the unique feature of having two pulpits, an architectural element that differentiates it and enriches its interpretation.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt